Indiana Attorney General Prohibits DEI-Aligning Firms from State Contracts

Originally reported by Fox 59 News, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has declared an investigation into all state contracts to assess whether private firms are implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures within their workforce. Rokita emphasized, "No one receives immunity from unlawful discrimination merely based on their good intentions," as he sought to eradicate what he termed as “this terrible DEI nonsense." In contrast, Democratic State Senator Greg Taylor defended DEI: “It’s never been nonsense,” he insisted, highlighting its advantages for Indiana over the last two decades. Rokita indicated that any enterprise adhering to DEI practices in recruitment and employment operations would be disqualified from state contracts. State Representative Robin Shackleford criticized the directive, arguing it could hinder the state’s business landscape and its ability to attract elite talent. Senator Taylor warned that the mandate might disrupt small businesses and deter large corporations from engaging with Indiana, ultimately impacting the state’s competitive edge. Governor Mike Braun has noted that companies have discreetly removed DEI references from their platforms since his administration began.